“Others Receiving Votes” – 5 More Teams to Watch in 2023-2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Tuesday we released our "unofficial" preseason Prep Hoops Indiana Super Poll highlight the Top 20 teams in the state regardless of class. Here are five more teams worthy of consideration heading into the 2023-2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brebeuf Jesuit Braves</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are plenty of teams on the cusp of the Prep Hoops Indiana preseason Top 20 that deserve some attention heading into the season. However, none of those other teams have Evan Haywood. After a spectacular summer that saw his recruitment blow up, the 6'4″ Butler commit is back after averaging 14.3 points per game. His elite shooting ability, and all-around scoring prowess, will make the Braves a tough out every time they step on the floor. Unfortunately, only one of Brebeuf or Guerin Catholic will be able to make it out of the always tough Sectional 27. Alongside Haywood, senior wing <strong>Reis Butcher</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/reis-butcher/"></a> will be relied upon for two-way production on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evansville Harrison Warriors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning your three leading scorers from a 16-7 team is a good place to start. Evansville Harrison will bring back six of their eight primary rotation players overall and will be one of the best teams in the talented, well-balanced Pocket City. Junior guard Shane Sims leads the way with 14.7 points per game while Malachi McNair, a senior big man, averaged 13.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Eli Speer was also in double-figures a year ago averaging 11.1 points per game. Two names to keep an eye on this season will be juniors Brooks Thomas and Jay Summit as they step into larger roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evansville Reitz Panthers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a lot of scoring to recoup from the 19-win Panthers that took home Sectional 16 last season. However, there is as much talent in this locker room as inside of any in the state of Indiana. 6'7” wing Braylen Langley returns after a productive freshman season for Reitz. He is one of the more talented 2026 prospects in the state. Meanwhile, 6'6” freshman sensation Jaylan Mitchell will immediately be one of the best players in the area. The Panthers also added a couple of transfers in junior point guard Jayce Swanson and junior sharpshooter Luke Lawrence who will each provide immediate talent in the backcourt. This team will be young, but supremely talented.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">North Central Panthers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There will be few backcourts in the Indianapolis area, or the state of Indiana in general, that have the firepower of the Panthers this season. Jaxson Bell returns for his senior season after averaging 12.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game a year ago. Meanwhile, junior tandem Rogelio Rivera and Nijah Jewell will add additional shot making on the perimeter next to bell. All three of these guys are high percentage shooters who can create for themselves off of the bounce as well. Don't sleep on North Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Providence Pioneers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2021-2022 Class 2A state champions went 19-5 last season but fell in the Sectional to Brownstown Central in a close 44-42 contest. There is plenty to be excited about once again though as the Pioneers return senior point guard Noah Lovan and his classmate Quentin Hesse. Lovan averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game a year ago while Hesse added 8.3 points per game. Another name to keep an eye on is sophomore forward Elijah Fuller-Tucker. He should add a much-expanded varsity role this season after averaging 3.4 points per game as a freshman. The group is very well coached and always prepared defensively. After a strong summer the Pioneers proved they can play with anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->